The Lakers Choke; Celtics Take 3-1 Series Lead

Ray Allen and Paul Pierce
Celebrate an Improbable Victory

How did the Los Angeles Lakers end up losing after having a lead by as many as 26 points in the 2nd quarter? After what may be the biggest collapse in NBA finals history, the Boston Celtics take a 3-1 series lead and are now only 1 game away from a NBA title.

When the Lakers opened up a 21 point lead against the Boston Celtics in game 4 in the 1st quarter, I thought that the Lakers had already evened the series at 2-2. The Celtics even made a bit of a run in the 2nd quarter and cut it to 12. But to close out the half, Jordan Farmar hit a 3 to put the lead back up to 18. Lamar Odom, who had been non-existent in the playoffs, had made all 7 of his shots. Things were looking good for the Lakers.

Larry David observes what looks
like a convincing win for the Lakers

But all went downhill from there for them. Here are some one word explanation on how LA lost this game:

Choked. Gagged. Impeded. Suffocated. Collapsed.
Breakdown. Stifled. Quashed. Imploded.

Of course, the Celtics played well and got a bit lucky to pull off such a comeback. It all started when Celtics' center Kendrick Perkins hurt his shoulder in the 3rd quarter, and the Celtics still trailed by 20. Coach Doc Rivers inserted four shooters into the lineup capable of knocking down 3 pointers (House, Posey, Allen, Pierce) with Kevin Garnett protecting the paint. They were able to spread the floor and expose the Lakers' defense.

Paul Pierce asked his to for the duty of guarding Kobe in the 2nd half. Because he was bigger and stronger than Ray Allen, he forced Bryant to take more difficult shots and was unable to post him up. Bryant was held scoreless in the 3rd quarter and never got into a good rhythm in the 2nd half. The rest of the Celtics defense also stepped up collectively and slowed down the Laker's role players. Byrant was held scoreless in the 3rd quarter as the Celtics outscored the Lakers 31-15 in the 3rd quarter.

38 year old P.J. Brown throws down
a facial on Kobe Byrant

Phil Jackson appeared drunk in the interview between the 3rd and 4th quarter.

Question: What is the explanation for the Celtics comeback
Phil Jackson: "I dun-no, you tell me"

Question: The Celtics appear to have the momentum.
Phil Jackson: "Momentum is a strange girl...."

After several opportunities, thee Celtics fought hard and eventually took the lead late in the 4th quarter with an Eddie House jumper. Not only did Pierce slow down the MVP, he also scored 18 of his 20 points in the 2nd half. KG stretched the lead by finally hitting a shot down in the post.

Ray Allen was also spectacular down the stretch who played all 48 minutes in the game. On one play, he skyed for his 9th rebound and then converted a reverse layup over the much taller Pau Gasol. Allen, , clinched the game for the Celtics by crossing up Vujacic for a much easier layup.

Ray Allen, aka Jesus Shuttlesworth
with the pretty reverse layup.

Afterwards, Vujacic threw a tantrum. Kobe Byrant was visibly upset. Pau Gasol, in the words of Stephen A. Smith, was softer than tissue paper. The Lakers lost. The Celtics are only one game from clinching a championship.

Kobe Bryant's press conference brought this historic game in unique perspective. Bryant said he would get some wine, beer, and 20 shots to wash down the loss and come back to work the next day. He described the Lakers collapse in the 3rd quarter a kid who peed in his bed and was caught by his parents. The mess was so bad he could not hide it, even with a large towel.

Kobe also said that for the Lakers to comeback, they have to take it one game at a time. However, his demeanor told a different story. Their hope for a championship looks bleak.